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  2. Episode 8: Brian Groesser - Practicing Attorney

Episode 8: Brian Groesser - Practicing Attorney

Apr 21, 2020

Brian Groesser is a Practicing Attorney and Director of Worker’s Compensation throughout North Carolina for the law firm, Midkiff, Muncie, and Ross. In his role as the head of the worker’s comp department, Brian provides legal counsel through insurance carriers and self-insured - handling worker’s compensation claims before the North Carolina Industry Commission and Court of Appeals.  He also conducts multiple continuing education seminars for adjusters, risk managers and attorneys across the country. 

Brian was born and raised in Chelsea, Michigan with a population of 5500.  Chelsea, Michigan is most notable for being the home of actor Jeff Daniels, who is a recipient of two Emmy awards, a Golden Globe, a Screen Actor’s Guild, and Tony awards. Chelsea, Michigan is just about an hour outside of Detroit.

Attending the University of Michigan, with an A.B. in Political Science, Brian graduated with honors.  He got a full-ride scholarship to North Carolina Central University School of Law and he repeated the distinction graduating with honors again. Brian is a member of the North Carolina State Bar, North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys, North Carolina Bar Association and the Wake County Bar Association.  

Brian is married to Ali who is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.  They are proud parents of three kids. Brian is also a member of Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church and enjoys playing golf, visiting the beach, listening to podcasts, and cheering on his Michigan Wolverines.

In This Episode:

  • [01:59] Welcome Brian Groesser, a Practicing Attorney as well as the 8th “P” in the pod[cast]. 
  • [02:43] Brian was born and raised in Chelsea, Michigan. 
  • [03:25] Brian graduated from both the University of Michigan and North Carolina Central University School of Law with honors.   
  • [05:32] What was it like growing up in Chelsea, Michigan? 
  • [06:03] Chelsea, Michigan is also the home of Jiffy Mix. 
  • [07:06] Treat people the way you want to be treated.  It is the Golden Rule and applies no matter where you grew up.  
  • [07:35] Did your academic success come naturally and/or what was your drive?  
  • [09:41] Do you have any siblings?
  • [11:06] Brian shares about the fascinating opportunities he had in school as a political science major.  
  • [13:11] Brian shares his experience at a presidential dinner when he was asked to protect the president.  
  • [16:03] Brian was lucky to meet Gerald Ford and Barack Obama. 
  • [18:58] There was a picture in the newspaper of him at a Gore rally holding up a poster board sign.  
  • [19:38] Why did you pursue a degree to be an attorney?
  • [20:59] What is the rush like being in a courtroom?
  • [22:13] Why did you choose the workers’ comp field?
  • [24:51] The key to success in any law firm is really developing clients.  
  • [26:22] There is a reference in your title called “Of Counsel,” what does that mean?
  • [28:23] What is the AV Martindale Hubbell Peer Rating recognition and how is that achieved?
  • [29:50] Why is your current role value-added? 
  • [31:38] As an Attorney, where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? What is your vision or goal for the next 5 or 10 years?
  • [32:52] The goal is just to get better and just be a better representative of my firm and clients. 
  • [35:58] In North Carolina Contributory Negligence basically absolves the business of liability if you were negligent.  
  • [38:33] Brian’s goal in 5 to 10 years is to still be adding value in the workers’ compensation arena.   
  • [39:56] Tell us about this voting process and designation as a Super Fan.  
  • [40:53] His senior year Brian was the Super Fan for the University of Michigan.  
  • [43:19] Brian and his crew were asked to start and organize a student section for the basketball team from the ground up.
  • [45:13] What is the attraction you have with podcasts?
  • [47:51] If there was a trigger for me to become an Attorney it was definitely the O.J. Simpson case.  
  • [48:34] How did you and Ali meet?
  • [51:22] We started dating at Camp Seagull/Seafair in 2001.
  • [52:19] What caused marriage to come a-knocking?
  • [54:10] Brian and Ali have been married for 16 years.  
  • [54:22] Brian talks about his three kids.  
  • [56:15] What is a normal “day-in-the-life” of Brian the Practicing Attorney, husband, and dad like?
  • [57:31] Brian explains what billing hours mean as an Attorney. 
  • [60:24] Brian tries to get as much done as he possibly can while he is at work and that way he can have a home life when he gets home.  
  • [60:46] Why did you choose to live in 12 Oaks? 
  • [63:26] Ali’s parents moved to 12 Oaks from Pittsburgh.
  • [65:53] Brian’s family moved to 12 Oaks in the summer of 2016.
  • [66:18] How has it been the last four years living in 12 Oaks?
  • [68:27] Brian’s goal is to make people laugh and have a good time.  
  • [71:28] Brian shares something that is true for him, but almost no one agrees with him about.
  • [72:33] What is Brian most proud of? 
  • [73:10] What would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

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